Factors influencing implementation of selected donor funded projects in Kenya: the case of world vision Isiolo county, Kenya.

Abstract

The study aimed at establishing the factors influencing the implementation of donor funded projects by World Vision in Isiolo County. The specific objectives of the study were: to access the influence of community culture on the implementation of donor funded projects, to establish the influence of management factors on implementation of donor funded projects and to determine the influence of community involvement on implementation of the donor funded projects. The research design was descriptive and correlation designs and adopted a census as the sampling technique because the target population for the study was small since it involved all the management of the institutions. The study was carried out in Isiolo County targeting Ministry of Health and Education officers, Ngaremara, Oldonyiro and West Burat Wards targeting the BOMs, committee management committees, World vision officers and local leaders. The target population included Isiolo residents, NGO employees, and Community Representatives and Government representatives. Primary data (qualitative and quantitative) were collected from indicated target groups using a generated questionnaire while secondary data were obtained from World Vision monitoring and evaluation reports and government records. The qualitative data were summarized and categorized according to common themes and presented using frequency distribution tables while quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) into descriptive statistics such as frequencies; and correlations to test for relationship between factors. The study adopted a census design by collecting data from respondents all management positions and community representatives. A pre-test was conducted in Attan Primary school and KWS dispensary to check on reliability of the tool. The sample size comprised of 50 respondents. Interviews were conducted by the researcher through a structured questionnaire to the three schools and three dispensaries. A descriptive research design was utilised in the study. Data was then analysed using SPSS program to obtain the frequencies, percentages and correlations. Some of the major factor identified by the study included availability of adequate funds. This enables an organisation to hire technical staff with the required expertise and thus increases effectiveness. Majority of the respondents agreed that funds were adequate and world vision staff had the technical capacity o spearhead the process. However minority of the respondents were not aware of the technical capacity of World Vision staff. The study established that political goodwill is very critical during project implementation. The major factors identified from the findings include insecurity and conflict that would stall project implementation process. The study established community participation was essential during the project lifecycle. Majority of the respondents indicated they were aware of at least six projects World Vision projects from the list. Also majority of the respondents agreed they had received training on management of community projects and the performance of the community management committees was rated by the community as average. The study concluded that organisation capacity, community participation and political goodwill are critical factors project implementers and donors should consider during implementation process. The recommendations given are more community sensitization meetings to increase the awareness level, ensure all-inclusive active community participation rather that the passive and come up with strategies that will increase women participation in community projects. Further suggestions on areas of research have been highlighted